The Dugong, known scientifically as Dugong dugon, is a marine mammal that is part of the order Sirenia, which includes three other types of manatees. Due to anthropogenic causes, the Dugong is considered a vulnerable species by the IUCN and is the last remaining member of the Dugongidae family. The Dugong’s most recent relative was the Steller’s sea cow, which was declared extinct in the 18th century. The Dugong can be found throughout the waters of the Indo-Pacific ocean grazing on seagrass. The Dugong, similar in body shape to other manatees, has no dorsal fins or hind limbs and has paddle shaped flippers; however, the Dugong has a fluked tail, which is more similar to a dolphin.
Dugongs have a total length between 8’-13’ (2.4-4 m), body height of 1.9’-3.1’ (58-95 cm), and width of 3’-5’ (93-153 cm). The typical weight of the Dugong is in the range of 507-838 lb (230-380 kg). Dugong have lifespans between 50-70 years.
The Dugong, known scientifically as Dugong dugon, is a marine mammal that is part of the order Sirenia, which includes three other types of manatees. Due to anthropogenic causes, the Dugong is considered a vulnerable species by the IUCN and is the last remaining member of the Dugongidae family. The Dugong’s most recent relative was the Steller’s sea cow, which was declared extinct in the 18th century. The Dugong can be found throughout the waters of the Indo-Pacific ocean grazing on seagrass. The Dugong, similar in body shape to other manatees, has no dorsal fins or hind limbs and has paddle shaped flippers; however, the Dugong has a fluked tail, which is more similar to a dolphin.
Dugongs have a total length between 8’-13’ (2.4-4 m), body height of 1.9’-3.1’ (58-95 cm), and width of 3’-5’ (93-153 cm). The typical weight of the Dugong is in the range of 507-838 lb (230-380 kg). Dugong have lifespans between 50-70 years.
